May 28, 2014

Your Ultimate Guide to Getting Around Cape Town

Explorers come from all over the globe to discover the tip of Africa. Getting you there is where we come in. Begin your voyage into the unexpected with our ultimate guide to getting around. Here are 13 cab and transfer services to get you started:

Image courtesy of Juan Wernecke

Cape Town and Surrounding Areas

1. UNICAB

Unicab provides family shuttles, group travel, private getaways and corporate transfers 24 hours a day, 365 days a week. Their mobile app for smart phones allows you to hail a Unicab in the nearby area. When a cab has been selected, the app gives you an estimated time of arrival and your cabbie’s contact number. You can see how far the cab is away from you and track its progress. Then you get notified via SMS when your cab is outside. Pretty nifty huh?

One of the oldest, most established fleets in Cape Town, Marine Taxis’ fleet of metered taxis also operate 24/7, 365 days a year, on a 10 minute or less response time. The air conditioned vehicles are well maintained, cleaned daily and cater for up to 7 people. All the drivers have qualifications in advanced driving, first aid, fire-fighting and host training, while a number of them are also registered Tourist Guides. Marine Taxis records all calls, allowing them to track lost property. They also offer infant seats upon request.

Tel: 0861 434 0 434Website: www.marinetaxis.co.za/services.html

Greenpoint

3. Marine Cabs

Marine Cabs provides a metered taxi service that specialises in transport to restaurants and accommodation and provides a tailored tour service. They charge R13 per kilometre. This chart will give you an idea of how much it costs from Cape Town CBD to these classic locations.

Howie’s Shuttle, operated by the eponymous Howard Kaye, has been providing a driver for hire and chauffeur service for the last 7 years, specialising in airport transfers, day trips and general transport. Howie’s quotes all trips individually before departure, and although he does not offer a tour guide service himself, a specialist guide can be organized upon request.

5. Rikkis Taxis
Rikkis Taxis has been running for over 30 years, originally as a cost-effective share-and-ride service to backpackers and young explorers. Today it has developed to the point it even has its own currency, Rikki Rands, pre-paid tokens that will be delivered to your door upon purchase. Rikkis still offers transfers and share rides. You can establish a Rikkis account, to be settled at month-end. All Rikki’s vehicles have driver and passenger airbag, Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) and Engine Braking Control (EBC).

6. Cabco
The largest meter taxi company in the Southern Suburbs, also operating 24 / 7, Cabco operate at rates of R10/km, with the fare calculated on distance travelled (not number of passengers). Cabco has a specialist corporate account, personal account and public service option for regular travelers. Their vehicles are tracked via satellite at all times. Booking online, via email or over the phone.

Wynberg

8. Superbus
Superbus has been operating in the Wynberg community for over 67 years and today boasts a fleet of over 48 vehicles, including 11 seater and 30 seater uber-busses. Their services include transport to schools and places of work, shopping centre, restaurants, clubs, retail stores, and airport shuttles. The company operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Tel: 021 762 7622Email: bookings@superbus.co.za

Diep River – South Peninsula

9. Chauffeur On Call

Offers a reliable chauffer service in Diep River.

Tel: +27 21 712 3856

Goodwood

10. Shuttlenet
Shuttlenet provides airport and door-to-door transfers, company outings, bucket-list adventure tours and scenic explorations. All their drivers have over 5 years’ experience and their tour guides are qualified with strong links to Cape Town’s backpackers, lodges, hotels and tour operators. Call or email them to request a quote.

11. The League Of Gentlemen
The League of Gentlemen provides exclusive personalized transfer, shuttle and tour services. Your chauffer can arrive in a Bentley, Jaguar, Daimler, Chrysler or a Rolls Royce. Or alternatively you can. The fleet of British collectables exudes old-school pomp (think a Rolls Royce stretch limousine) and the staff adheres to the values of extreme courteousness, warmth and pride in their work. Available for car rentals, full day tours, week-long golf tours and weddings, The League of Gentlemen offers some of classiest rides in Cape Town.

Robertson

13. Fran Fun Tours
Fran Fun Tours offers an affordable tour and shuttle service throughout the Western Cape. From the Magic of Bubbles Festival in Franchhoek to cheetah encounters in Somerset West, from the Wacky Wine Weekend in Robertson to Chapman’s Peak Drive and elephants and lions on safari, Fran Fun Tours offers customized packages for a variety of budgets. Try their cupcake and wine pairing, chocolate and brandy pairing or wine and pancake package for a classic culinary adventure!

Fran Fun Tours are also currently offering a Wacky Wine special, which includes 4 star accommodation for 2 nights, return airport transfers, and to and from the BNB and around the festival for R1,670 per person.